Ex-Prem stars excited by Adil Nabi

Two former Premier League stars have backed Albion striker Adil Nabi to make a name for himself in the top flight.

New team-mates Florent Malouda and John Arne Riise have both been impressed with the 21-year-old since he joined them on loan at Delhi Dynamos.

Although Nabi was initially unable to get into the team, three goals in his last four games have helped Roberto Carlos's side qualify for the semi-finals.

"Adil is a good, technical striker," said ex-Liverpool left-back Riise. "He's a great finisher and as his confidence and fitness builds he'll go on to be very good.

"He's very young but he was voted West Brom's best young player last year.

"He's got some amazing skills and he's going to be a top, top player."

Malouda has also tipped Nabi to force his way into contention at Albion when he returns home later this month.

And the former Chelsea winger thinks his success in India could pave the way for more British youngsters to make the journey.

Nabi was the first player from a Premier League club to go on loan to a team in the Indian Super League, which is only in its second season.

"I think Nabi has a bright future in the game in England," said Malouda.

"He's a good young player with a lot of skill. He has quick feet and is very good in front of goal.

"When I was at Chelsea I saw many young players going on short-term loans to develop as footballers because they don't have opportunities to play first-team football at their club.

"You have to be patient and keep working hard. This is a different kind of opportunity for him.

"It's something new because I have never seen a player go on loan to India but if he is successful with Delhi maybe it will open a pathway for new players and convince other young footballers to come here."

Delhi finished fourth in the Indian Super League and now face FC Goa, who came top, in a two-legged semi-final.

The first leg is on Friday, December, and the second takes place the following Tuesday.

Nabi scored a hatful of goals for Albion's under-21s last season and was named the club's Young Player of the Year. He's been with the club since he was eight, and featured for England's under-16s and under-17s.

Despite a promising academy career, he has never featured for the first team.The closest he came was in January 2013 when he was named in the squad for a 3-2 defeat away at Reading.